Families of the Bible A Bible Study Course for Adults by Steven L. Lange Student Lessons Lesson One Made for Each Other Lesson Two Alone against the World Lesson Three Blessed Is the Family That Puts God First Lesson Four Salt That Lost Its Saltiness Lesson Five Rivalry and Reconciliation Lesson Six Train a Child Lesson Seven Fallen, Yet Forgiven Lesson Eight Holding On While Letting Go Northwestern Publishing House 1250 N. 113th St., Milwaukee, WI 53226-3284 www.nph.net 2007 Northwestern Publishing House Published 2007 Printed in the United States of America
Lesson Three Blessed Is the Family That Puts God First Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac Worship MEN: Trust in the LORD with all your heart WOMEN: And lean not on your own understanding; MEN: In all your ways acknowledge him, WOMEN: And he will make your paths straight. [from Proverbs 3] Lord, you know all the days of our lives before any of them come to be. Help us always follow you with confidence and trust your loving guidance. Increase our love for you that we may always put you first in our lives. Amen. Introduction How would your family react if you suddenly won a million dollars? Part One: Abraham s Trust in God s Promises Read Genesis 15:1-6. What fears do you think Abram had? Show that the Lord tailored his message to strengthen Abram s trust. Reread Genesis 15:6. EVALUATE: Abram s trust in the Lord was nothing more than a trust that God would give him a son, just as he had promised. Read Genesis 18:9-14. How was Sarah s reaction different from Abraham s reaction to the Lord s promise in Genesis chapter 15? Was her doubt justified? Explain.
Families of the Bible Lesson Three Page 2 Read Genesis 21:1-7. In what ways was the birth of Isaac a special blessing? His Word in My Life Read Romans 4:18-25. What are the similarities and differences between Abraham s faith and our faith? How does Abraham s example encourage you in your faith? Your friends Todd and Cheryl have been trying for the last seven years to have a child. They have gone to many doctors and have tried various fertility treatments. Now they are becoming increasingly discouraged. One evening over dinner your conversation turns to children. Cheryl becomes upset and starts to cry. Why won t God give us a child? she sobs. Does he think we won t be good parents? What did we do wrong? Why is having a child so difficult for us and so easy for people who don t even want children? How might you use the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac to comfort and encourage you friends Todd and Cheryl, who remain childless? How does each text below change our doubting laughter into trusting laughter? Matthew 7:7,8 John 11:25,26 Romans 8:28 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 1 Peter 4:12-14 Revelation 22:20 Part Two: Abraham s Love for God Read Genesis 22:1-19. How did this command challenge Abraham as a father? How did it test Abraham s hope for salvation?
Families of the Bible Lesson Three Page 3 List evidences of Abraham s great love for God in this account. EVALUATE: Abraham could show complete love for God only by showing a lack of love for Isaac. What blessings did Abraham receive through this ordeal? His Word in My Life Read Matthew 10:37. Could you do what Abraham did? Explain. If you think you couldn t do what Abraham did, would that show a lack of love for God? Explain. How can we grow in our love for God? Your teenage son Ben has become good friends with a young Muslim in your neighborhood named Ibrahim. They often talk about religion, and Ben tells Ibrahim a lot about Christianity. Eventually, Ben asks Ibrahim if he would like to come to church with him. Ibrahim asks his parents, and they allow it. They feel that it would be good for Ibrahim to have this experience so that he can grow in his respect for Christians, who are people of the book, just as Muslims consider themselves. As Ibrahim hears God s Word, the Holy Spirit works in his heart and brings him to faith in Jesus. Now Ibrahim no longer wants to be a Muslim; he wants to be baptized as a Christian. When Ibrahim tells his parents about his desire to be baptized, they are furious. They forbid him to go to church with Ben again and command him to give up this Christian foolishness. How might you and Ben help Ibrahim in this situation? Read Romans 12:1. Then, using the passages listed below, formulate a practical definition for what offer[ing our] bodies as living sacrifices means. 2 Corinthians 5:14,15 1 Corinthians 10:31
Families of the Bible Lesson Three Page 4 Romans 12:3-8 Philippians 2:1-4 Galatians 5:13,14 Part Three: Abraham Feared God Read Genesis 24:1-9. Why did Abraham insist that Isaac s wife be from among his own relatives? How does each statement below show that Abraham feared God above all things? Abraham was so serious about finding a believing wife for Isaac that he placed his servant under oath in this matter. Abraham refused even to consider a Canaanite wife for Isaac. Abraham refused to allow Isaac to go back to Haran, even if his prospective wife was unwilling to move to Canaan. List the blessings that Abraham s family received because he feared God above all things. His Word in My Life List five qualities you want in your child s spouse. Discuss your choices. 1. 2. 3.
Families of the Bible Lesson Three Page 5 4. 5. According to the following texts, what characteristics are important to God in the choosing of a mate? Proverbs 31:30 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Galatians 5:22,23 Ephesians 5:22,25 1 Peter 3:3,4 Lesson Summary Blessed is the family that puts God first. Abraham s family certainly experienced this truth firsthand. To those who trust in him, God gives countless blessings. Such a family grows in faith by remaining close to God through his Word and sacraments. And the stronger our faith is, the more we will put God first in everything we think, say, and do.